Concurrent Visible and NIR Fluorescent Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NIR fluorescent imaging methods for open surgery lack the capability to concurrently image both NIR fluorescent light and visible light effectively, leading to suboptimal contrast and identification of lesions during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent imaging system and method that utilize a camera head with a NIR excitation light source and a single image sensor to concurrently detect and image both NIR fluorescent light and visible light, adjusting the intensity of both lights to achieve suitable contrast between fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only NIR fluorescent light is imaged, then fluorescent signal detection is achieved, but visible light information is lost and contrast is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines NIR fluorescent imaging and visible light imaging into a single concurrent imaging system. The image sensor simultaneously captures both NIR fluorescent signals and visible light reflected signals, merging two separate imaging modalities into one unified system that provides comprehensive tissue information with optimal contrast for lesion identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting NIR fluorescent light from the tissue and simultaneously capturing visible light reflected from the tissue. This multi-functional capability allows the system to gather both fluorescent signal information and anatomical context information without requiring separate imaging systems.
2Loss of information
If both NIR excitation light and visible light are imaged simultaneously, then comprehensive tissue information is obtained, but light intensity balancing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of light sources and image sensor parameters during imaging. The intensities of NIR excitation light and visible light are adjusted in real-time based on tissue characteristics and imaging conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal contrast and information quality without requiring complex fixed mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the imaging process by adjusting parameters such as NIR excitation light intensity, visible light intensity, and image sensor exposure settings. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system achieves proper balance between fluorescent signal detection and visible light information capture, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining information completeness.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used for both NIR and visible light, then system complexity is reduced, but light separation and filtering becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical filters as intermediary elements in the imaging path. These filters selectively transmit NIR fluorescent light while blocking visible light during fluorescent imaging, and vice versa during visible imaging. This intermediary filtering mechanism enables a single image sensor to cleanly separate and detect both NIR and visible light signals without cross-contamination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous imaging of NIR fluorescent light and visible light, improving lesion identification by providing balanced contrast and enhancing the ability to visualize both fluorescent and non-fluorescent regions, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy in open surgery procedures.
Implementation Method 1
excitation light at NIR wavelengths irradiates the target tissues in the patient, the fluorescent dye in the tissue emits fluorescent light at NIR wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a filter that blocks NIR excitation light from entering the camera
Implementation Method 3
an attenuator to decrease the intensity of visible light detected by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a fluorescent imaging system during an open surgery procedure includes concurrently illuminating a tissue with NIR excitation light and visible light, wherein NIR fluorescent light is emitted from the tissue and collecting the NIR fluorescent light and reflected visible light that is reflected from the tissue. The method also includes blocking at least a portion of the NIR excitation light reflected from the tissue and attenuating the reflected visible light. The method further includes imaging, using a camera, the NIR fluorescent light and the attenuated reflected visible light.